I realize I have not posted in a while. It feels good to be back to writing again. I am currently writing as my little one takes her first nap of the day. She is growing and keeping me busier than ever now that she is on the move. So far, this is also my favorite stage. It is so much fun to see them explore and let their curiosity grow each day.
If you are anything like me, your mind is filled with a million thoughts spinning around in your head. Sometimes out of control. I have tried many different methods to stop the endless rumination of thoughts and some have really helped me. Not only do they stop the spinning, but they give you positive thoughts to focus on and help reframe the mind.
- Start a gratitude journal– I have an app downloaded to my phone where I write down at least three things I am grateful for each day. I try to write them down in the mornings, but anytime of day works fine. The longer I keep up the practice, the easier it is to find something to be grateful for each day. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. It can be something as simple as saying, “I got out of bed this morning.” The point is to reframe your thinking and to start or end each day on a positive note. Here is the link to the app that I use: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gratitude-self-care-journal/id1372575227
- Read a chapter of the Bible every day– I will also say that you could also follow some type of daily Bible reading plan. Currently, I am working through a chronological Bible in a year reading plan. Since my little one mostly takes contact naps on me during the day, I have picked up my Kindle and have been reading more than I have in awhile. This quiet time has helped me pick back up a hobby that I love while also getting into the Word more. Before having my child this looked like reading in the morning when I ate breakfast and had my coffee. Today it looks a little different, but you just find what works best for you. Here is the link to the Bible I purchased and downloaded to my Kindle: https://a.co/d/8rWzVcB. The Bible app also has tons of really encouraging reading plans as well as The Bible Project app, which delves into deeper studies.
- Go through the alphabet and say an attribute of God for each letter– This idea was suggested to me by a great counselor I used to meet with. Specifically, this was recommended for me to do at night when I am laying in bed and having trouble falling asleep. That is exactly when I use this method and let me tell you, most of the time I only make it halfway through the alphabet before I am sound asleep.
- Start a prayer journaling practice– I have been using a journal for my prayer time for many years now. Most days my prayers do look the same and can be very repetitive, but staying consistent with it each day does something to my mood in a positive way. I can tell a difference if I have skipped a few days. You can use any type of notebook and just write down your thoughts and prayers for the day. I find it best to do this first thing in the morning to have the day start off right and I tend to stick with it if I practice it while I am eating breakfast. I realize this may not always be the perfect time with a little one running the house now, but it still works for the time being. There are some guided prayer journals on the market too if that is more your style.
I hope these strategies help you in some way just as much as they have helped me. Have a great Monday!
